As tensions between the superpowers began to flare, the presence of American bombers on British soil again became a familiar and necessary one — and it was down to Strategic Air Command’s Boeing B-29s and B-50s to wield the ‘big stick’
When the last US Army Air Forces unit left the UK before the end of 1946, there were hopes that the global strategic situation would not require American forces to return in strength. The coming of peace following the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe had brought an immediate and speedy draw-down of the US presence on British shores. But as the belligerence of the Soviet Union began causing considerable concern, so there emerged the realisation that it may have been premature.
In response, the RAF agreed during 1946 to maintain five air bases for possible American use should they be needed. They comprised Scampton, Lakenheath, Marham, Mildenhall and Bassingbourn, all in the east of England. Strategic Air Command was formed that March, and its ‘big stick’ bomber force would soon become very active in British skies. At the vanguard of this commitment for the first few years were Boeing’s Superfortresses, the B-29 and B-50. They helped fill a significant gap, for the RAF’s ne…
